Remote Contrivance Refurbishment Apparatus &amp; Related Methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a remote contrivance refurbishment apparatus and related methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Prov. Pat. No. 61/231,957(filed Aug. 6, 2009) entitled “Remote Contrivance RefurbishmentApparatus & Related Methods,” which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention is in the field of apparatuses and methods for remoteautomated contrivance refurbishment.

2. Background of the Invention

Various contrivances (including but not limited to assault rifles) areemployed and operated worldwide. Often, it is necessary to refurbish thecontrivances at exotic or remote locations wherein refurbishmentknow-how, repair diagnosis, spare/replacement parts, or cleaningsolutions are not readily available. Moreover, frequently a plurality ofsimilar contrivances at the remote locations may simultaneously needrefurbishment or repair. Conventional refurbishment under thesecircumstances has been accomplished in one of three ways: (1) on-sitemanual refurbishment; or, (2) transmitting the subject contrivancesoff-site for refurbishment; or, (3) out-right replacement of the subjectcontrivance.

Conventional refurbishment methods have typically been inadequate.First, on-site personnel may be sparse whereby work-efforts cannotaffordably be expended on refurbishment. Second, the delivery ofcustomized replacement packages (including refurbishment parts andcleaning solutions) to the remote site is often expensive. Third,retrieving a subject contrivance from a remote site may entail excessiveexpenses. Finally, replacing the subject contrivance may beunnecessarily wasteful, as the contrivance would operate sufficiently ifmerely refurbished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and the associated methods for remotely and automatedlyrefurbishing contrivances, including but not limited to assault rifles.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and theassociated methods for remotely and automatedly refurbishingcontrivances wherein refurbishment know-how, repair diagnosis,spare/replacement parts, and cleaning solution are performed by theapparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and theassociated methods for remotely and automatedly refurbishingcontrivances wherein human involvement in the refurbishment process isminimized, and wherein speed is maximized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilledin the art once the invention has been shown and described. The mannerin which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can beobtained is explained in the following description and attached figures.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the apparatus 1 of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 (including FIGS. 4A and 4B) is a flowchart for cleaning a rifleusing the apparatus 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is also aflowchart for replacing distressed parts of a rifle.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by thosereasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are notnecessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, the apparatus of the present application is for remotely andautomatedly refurbishing contrivances. In other words, the apparatus maybe delivered to remote locations (including outer space) for theautomated refurbishment of contrivances, such as weapons. For purposesof this application, “refurbish” and “refurbishment” shall include, butnot be limited to, cleaning. The apparatus is preferably transported tothe remote location via pick-up truck (whether in the bed or otherwise),truck and trailer, railcar, boat, air-drop, or airplane, or spaceship.

Basic apparatus operation begins with the input of at least onecontrivance and ends with the output of a refurbished, or cleaned,contrivance. More specifically, operation of the apparatus is generallyas follows. Initially, the apparatus determines (or is told) theidentity of a contrivance provided thereto. Identification of thecontrivance preferably triggers the apparatus' performance of acontrivance specific disassembly routine. Via a computer means, theapparatus programmatically inventories/examines the parts of thedisassembled contrivance and discards any expired parts. The apparatusdelivers the disassembled parts (excluding expired parts) to aninternally contained solution for ultrasonic cleaning. The apparatussupplements the cleaned contrivance parts, if necessary, withreplacement parts from pre-sorted and self-contained bins before theapparatus performs a contrivance specific assembly routine. Theapparatus examines the reassembled contrivance for compliance with thecontrivance's specifications and tolerances. Noncompliant and intolerantparts are repaired or replaced by the apparatus via either repairspecific routines or via contrivance specific disassembly, partreplacement, and reassembly routines. After compliance with thecontrivance's specifications and tolerances is assured, the refurbishedcontrivance is output from the apparatus.

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a preferable embodiment of the apparatus 1of the present application. As seen in the figure, the apparatus 1preferably comprises the following subassemblies: a cache 100; pairedand opposable robotic arms 200; a multi-level, multi-compartment,rotating tool and part bins 300; an ultrasonic cleaning tub 400; acoordinate-measuring machine 500 station; and, a reassembly station 600.It should be noted that the cache 100 and the reassembly station 600could be the same subassembly, wherein the cache 100 has beenautomatedly rotated and moved to the reassembly station 600 location viaa conveyor belt or other conveying means within the apparatus 1. Thesubassemblies are preferably positioned whereby said cache 100, rotatingbins 300, cleaning tub 400, coordinate-measuring machine 500, andreassembly station 600 are within the work envelope or range of eachrobotic arm 200.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively side and front perspectives of theapparatus 1 depicted in FIG. 1. In other words FIGS. 1 through 3 depictthe apparatus 1 from different views and thus together better illustratethe subassemblies composing the same. Viewed in conjunction, FIGS. 1through 3 provide a more complete overview of the apparatus 1, whichcould be a feature of a wheeled carrier, truck, train car, boat, or airdrop.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the cache 100 is an area for receivingcontrivances 2. Typically, at least one contrivance is provided to thecache 100 whereby the cache 100 systematically provides the inputcontrivances to the apparatus 1 for refurbishment. The cache 100 iscomposed of a stand 101, and a contrivance mounting means. In the mostminimal embodiment, the stand 101 features a single mounting meanswhich, as discussed below in connection with the refurbishment of arifle, inserts into the clip port of the rifle to support the rifle. Inthe present embodiment, the mounting means comprises grips 102. Inputcontrivances 2 are suitably collected in the cache 100 andsystematically presented for refurbishment at the stand 101. Althoughdiscussed in more detail below, the stand 101 is sometimes defined by aplurality of radially spaced grips 102 controllably rotatable around acentral axis. Preferably, the stand 101 simultaneously: (1) gatherscontrivances 2 from the technician, (2) presents a contrivance 2 forrefurbishment, and (3) releases a refurbished contrivance to the output.Each grip 102 on the stand 101 performs the stated functions relative toits position during stand 101 rotation.

Although FIGS. 1 through 3 depict the stand 101 as being defined by aplurality of radial spaced grips 102, it is contemplated that othermeans for securing the contrivance 2 to the stand 101 may be employeduntil, as discussed below, the disassembly of the contrivance 2 isinitiated. For example, if the contrivance is a rifle, the means forpresenting the rifle for refurbishment may preferably be a mountingbracket that mimics a standard rifle clip and supports the rifle to thestand via the clip port in the rifle's lower receiver. In a minimalembodiment, the cache 100 features a plurality of mounting brackets forvarious types of rifles, said mounting brackets radially extending froman axis. An operator of the apparatus 1 may communicate the type ofrifle to the apparatus and the cache 100, via a computer means on theapparatus, will select the appropriate mounting bracket and rotate itinto the proper position.

As mentioned above, the cache 100 may be stationary or move throughoutthe apparatus 1 to the reassembly station 600 location via rotation andtransport on a conveyor belt or other conveying means.

Still referring to FIG. 1 through 3, the robotic arms 200 are preferablyfor performing refurbishment and repair routines (including disassemblyand assembly routines). Preferably, the robotic arms 200 are six-axisrobots for automated control in three spatial dimension plus roll, yaw,and pitch. However, it is contemplated that other preferable designs ofthe present apparatus 1 may trade freedoms of motion for cost, speed,and/or accuracy depending on the contrivance 2 to be refurbished orrepaired.

As depicted in the FIGS. 1 and 3, the robotic arms 200 are generallymovably located along the length of the apparatus 1. Via movement of therobotic arms 200 along the apparatus 1, the working envelope of eachrobotic arm 200 may preferably contain the cache 100 (including thestand 101), the rotating bins 300, the cleaning tub 400, thecoordinate-measuring machine 500 station, and the reassembly station600. Movement of the respective robotic arms 200 along the apparatus maybe accomplished by motor-plus-chain, motor-plus-track, conveyor belt,and the like.

As discussed below, it is contemplated that the robotic arms 200 willsuitably: (1) work in conjunction with each other for performingrefurbishment and repair routines/tasks/routine steps (includingdisassembly and assembly routines) that require two cooperatingappendages; (2) work alone in conjunction with the stand 101 or othersupport for performing steps that require a single appendage forperforming routines/tasks/routine steps; (3) work in conjunction withthe rotating bins 300 for obtaining tools necessary for performingroutines/tasks/routine steps; and (4) work in conjunction with therotating bins 300 for obtaining necessary contrivance 2 replacementparts.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the rotating bins 300 are forsystematically organizing and providing tools or replacement parts tothe robotic arms 200 during refurbishment and repairroutines/tasks/routine steps (including disassembly and assemblyroutines). Preferably, the rotating bins 300 features stacked levels 301of radially spaced sub-bins, rotatable around a central pivot. Eachlevel preferably contains a false bin 302 whereby the robotic arm 200may reach, top down (as depicted in FIG. 1), into the bin levelimmediately below the false bin 302. Aligning the false bins 302 frommultiple levels suitably permits the robotic arm to reach into thelowest level of the rotating bins 300.

Still referring to the rotating bins 300, each sub-bin within therotating bins 300 system will preferably be designated by a radialcoordinate and level 301. Also, each sub-bin will preferably be assigneda particular tool or part depending on the particular function of theapparatus 1. If and when a particular tool or part becomes necessary toa routine or routine step performed by the robotic arm 200, then therotating bins 300 programmatically rotate (under the command of acomputer means) for presenting the appropriate sub-bin to the roboticarm 200. Ideally, if the appropriate sub-bin occupies a lower level,then all upper levels 301 correspondingly rotate so as to position thehigher false bins 302 above the appropriate sub-bin. Preferably, and asdepicted in FIG. 1, the robotic arm 200 access is the closest radialcoordinate on the associated rotating bins 300.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1 through 3, the cleaning tub 400 is fordeeply cleaning and/or cleaning the disassembled parts of thecontrivance 2. Preferably, the cleaning tub 400 cleans parts viaultrasound. Suitably, the robotic arms 200, under the command of acomputing means, orderly and coordinately position the parts ofdisassembled contrivances 2 along the basin 401 of the tub 400 (withcleaning solution prefilled or filled later). After cleaning, therobotic arms 200 orderly and coordinately retrieve the contrivance 2components according to the coordinate memory of part placement.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the coordinate-measuring machine 500station is for checking the specifications, gauges, tolerances, andother measurable dimensions of the refurbished contrivance 2.Preferably, the coordinate-measuring machine 500 is a horizontalcoordinate-measurement device for touch sensing measurements.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 through 3, the reassembly station 600 is forreassembling the disassembled contrivance. The reassembly station 600interacts with the contrivances 2 and the robotic arms in a similarmanner as the cache 100. Before, during, or after the robotic arms 200perform the reassembly routines, the refurbished contrivances or subcomponents are provided to the coordinate measuring machine 500 asdiscussed above. If the contrivance 2 or subparts are determined to bein compliance with the specifications, gauges, tolerances, and othermeasurable dimensions or criteria, then the contrivance 2 or subpartsare returned to the reassembly routine and provided to the apparatus 1output, or else the contrivance 2 or subparts are returned to thereassembly station 600 to undergo repair. In the most minimalembodiment, a reassembly station is not necessary because, as discussedabove, the cache 100 may be used to replace the reassembly station.

In one particular mode of operation, the apparatus 1 is adapted for therefurbishment of a rifle contrivance (e.g., the AR-15, or M4, or AK-47,and the like). In this particular mode of operation a rifle is: providedto the cache 100; presented to the robotic arms 200 for take-down at thestand 101; expired rifle parts are discarded; unexpired rifle parts areintroduced to the cleaning tub 400 for cleaning while replacement partsare retrieved by the robotic arms 200 from the rotating bins 300; therifle is reassembled at the stand 601 and provided to thecoordinate-measuring machine 500 for checking the rifle's specificationsand tolerances; and, finally the refurbished rifle is output from theapparatus 1. Below is a more detailed description of the manner by whichthe apparatus 1 refurbishes a rifle (e.g., the AR-15 or M4 or AK-47, andthe like).

Setup. First, the apparatus 1 is delivered to a remote location viatrain, boat, plane, vehicle, or space craft. For example, the apparatus1 may occupy a truck bed whereby delivery of the apparatus isaccomplished via driving the truck to the remote location. For anotherexample, the apparatus 1 may occupy a shipping container wherebydelivery of the apparatus is accomplished via fly-by parachuted drop-offto the remote location. Next, the apparatus 1 is provided a powersource, whether via gas generator, electrical input, or others. Finally,the apparatus should be powered-on. In the preferable embodiment, thepower source preferably provides the energy necessary to operate thehydraulics, pumps and other mechanisms of the apparatus 1.

Operation. First, at least one rifle 2 is input to the apparatus 1 atthe cache 100 by an operator or technician. In the preferableembodiment, the rifle 2 is orientedly input to the cache 100 whereby thestand 101 may readily grip the rifle stock and rifle muzzle. In analternate embodiment, the operator or technician provides the rifle 2 tothe apparatus via inserting a weapon mount on the stand 101 into theclip port of the rifle 2. Input rifles 2 are gripped and presented tothe robotic arms 200 for refurbishment. It is contemplated that manytypes of rifles 2 may be refurbished via the apparatus 1. To accommodatethe diverging dimensions and sizes of the many rifle types, theapparatus 1 preferably features a manual selection mechanism whereby theoperator/technician may indicate to the apparatus 1 which type of rifle2 will be input to the machine whereby a computer means automatedlyadjusts the stand to the specific rifle 2 (i.e., the computer meansselects a compatible weapon mount with the rifle 2 clip port or adjuststhe grips to the dimensions of the rifle 2). In addition to selectingthe appropriate weapon mount, the computer means also commands therobotic arms during the disassembly and reassembly routines based on themanual selection of rifle type.

Normally, an unloaded rifle will be provided to the apparatus 1 with theclip out, especially if a clip mount is used instead of the grips 102.However, it is also contemplated that the apparatus 1 may unload therifle 2 programmatically. A preferable rifle 2 unloading routine isperformed by the robotic arms 200 after presentment of the rifle 2 atthe stand 101. Initially, a first robotic arm 200 activates the cliprelease button while the second robotic arm 200 grips (using a clampingtool head from the rotating bins) the clip and disengages the clip fromthe clip socket in the lower receiver of the rifle. Next, the firstrobotic arm 200 fully extends the charging handle to open the bolt andeject any round from the chamber. The step of ejecting rounds from thechamber may be repeated for the known number of rounds customarilymaintained in the chamber during rifle 2 use.

Preferably, after the rifle has been provided to the cache 100, thecache 100 rotates within the apparatus 1 and moves to the reassemblystation 600 location via a conveyor means, such as a belt, to a centrallocation in the apparatus 1. After the cache 100 has moved into thereassembly station 600 position, the refurbishment routines may beperformed by the robotic arms 200 under the command of a computer means.

Typically, the first step of a rifle 2 disassembly routine is removingthe butt stock from the upper and lower receiver assembly. Initially,the first robotic arm 200 rotates the takedown lever 160 deg.counter-clockwise. Next, the first robotic arm 200 preferably grasps therifle butt stock while the second robotic arm 200 suitably grasps theupper and lower receiver assembly. The components are disengaged bydrawing the robotic arms 200 and associated components in oppositedirections along the rifle 2 plain. Once disengaged, the first roboticarm 200 preferably places the butt stock in the cleaning tub 400 or inthe appropriate sub-bin in the rotating bins 300. Finally, while theupper and lower receiver assembly is still gripped by the second roboticarm 200, the first robotic arm 200 unscrews and disengages the recoiltube 1301 therefrom. Subsequently, the recoil tube 1301 is preferablyplaced in the cleaning tub 400 or corresponding sub-bin within therotating bins 300.

The second step of a rifle 2 disassembly routine is separating the upperand lower receivers. First, a double appendaged small diameter drivetool is obtained from the appropriate sub-bin within the rotating bins300 by the first robotic arm 200. Next, the two appendages of the toolare respectively directed to the first and second takedown pins on thelower receiver, whereby the takedown pins and are simultaneously movedfrom left to right until attainment of the unlocked position.Thereafter, the first robotic arm 200 returns the double-appendaged toolto the appropriate sub-bin in the rotating bins 300. Next, the firstrobotic arm 200 grips the upper receiver 1200 and the second robotic arm200 grips the lower receiver wherein the robotic arms 200 disengage theupper 1200 and lower 1100 receivers via drawing the respectively grippedcomponents in opposite directions within the vertical rifle 2 plain.Preferably, the lower receiver is coordinately placed in the cleaningtub 400 by the second robotic arm 200.

The third step of a rifle disassembly routine is removing the muzzlecompensator. First, with the first robotic arm 200 still holding theupper receiver, the second robotic arm 200 grips the locking ring andpulls it forward (i.e., toward the muzzle) for enabling muzzlecompensator detachment. Detachment is completed by the second roboticarm 200 gripping the muzzle compensator and drawing the compensator awayfrom the upper receiver with a concurrent twisting motion relativethereto. Preferably, the muzzle compensator is coordinately placed inthe cleaning tub 400 by the second robotic arm 200.

The preferable fourth step of a rifle 2 disassembly routine is removingthe bolt carrier assembly. The bolt carrier assembly is preferablyremoved by the second robotic arm 200 pulling the charging handle out ofthe back of the upper receiver. The charging handle may be thereafterplaced in the cleaning tub 400.

Preferably the apparatus 1 need not break down the rifle any further.However, it is contemplated by the inventors that the apparatus iscapable of breaking down the subcomponents of the rifle. For example,the robotic arms 200 may perform disassembly routines for the boltcarrier assembly after its removal from the upper receiver. Initially,while the first robotic arm 200 holds the carrier assembly, the secondrobotic arm 200 pushes the bolt into the locked position. Next, thesecond robotic arm 200 removes the firing pin retaining pin from itsdiametrical position within the assembly by gripping the closed end,preferably using needle pliers (or the equivalent) and drawing theretaining pin from the side of the assembly. Preferably, the needle nosepliers may be retrieved from the rotating bins 300 as discussed above.The pin 1502 may be placed in the cleaning tub 400 after its removal.

Still referring to a breakdown of the bolt carrier assembly, with thefiring pin retaining pin removed from the assembly, the first roboticarm 200 suitably rotates the orientation of the bolt assembly to removethe firing pin. The firing pin is typically coaxially positioned withinthe bolt and bolt carrier assembly. By orienting the assembly with thebolt end vertically positioned, the firing pin suitably drops out of theassembly. The firing pin may preferably be caught by the second roboticarm 200 using a cup tool previously retrieved from the rotating bins 300as discussed above.

Yet still referring to a breakdown of the bolt carrier assembly, thebolt carrier assembly is further disassembled via removing the bolt campin. The bolt cam pin is located on the periphery of the assembly. Whilethe first robotic arm 200 continues to grip the bolt carrier assembly,the second robotic arm 200: (1) grips the cam pin head; (2) rotates thecam pin by one-quarter turn; and, (3) pulls the cam pin from its socket.

Continuing the breakdown of the bolt carrier assembly, with the cam pinremoved from the bolt carrier assembly, the bolt may suitably bedisengaged from the bolt carrier assembly. The second robotic arm 200preferably grips the bolt and coaxially removes the bolt from the boltcarrier assembly. With the bolt thus removed, the bolt carrier assemblymay be coordinately placed in the cleaning tub 400 for cleaning.

The robotic arms 200 may also perform disassembly routines for the bolt.Initially, a first robotic arm 200 grips the bolt while the secondrobotic arm 200 secantly pushes the extractor pin through the bolt usinga punch tool from the rotating bins 300. Preferably the extractor pin isdischarged from the bolt assembly into a catch or bucket beforecoordinate placement in the cleaning tub 400. After returning the punchtool to the rotating bins 300, the second robotic arm grips (whetherindependently or via pliers from the rotating bins) grips the extractorand spring and disengages the set from the bolt assembly. At this point,the first robotic arm 200 preferably places the bolt coordinately in thecleaning tub 400. Finally, the extractor and spring are preferablyseparated and coordinately placed in the cleaning tub 400.

At any point, expired parts of the disassembled rifle 2 are discardedinstead of placed in the cleaning tub 400. For example, the firing pinfiring pin may have a firing limit of one-million rounds or useful lifeof 15 years and, after the limit is exceeded the firing pin is discardedand replaced.

Reassembly routines are preferably the reverse of the above stateddisassembly routines. Generally, parts are removed from the cleaningbins 400 in the order of assembly.

In a minimal embodiment of the apparatus 1 and the related methods,refurbishment of a rifle requires fewer steps. A method is illustratedby the flowchart of FIGS. 4A and 4B. First, the apparatus 1 ispreferably powered on as discussed above. Second, a rifle type iscommunicated to the apparatus 1. Automatically, the apparatus 1, via acomputer means, selects the appropriate weapon-mounting bracket for thecache 100 and sends the corresponding disassembly and reassemblyroutines to the robotic arms 200. Third, the technician or soldierplaces the rifle on to the weapon-mounting bracket. Fourth, the cache100, rifle, and mounting bracket move into the work envelope of therobotic arms 200 via a conveyor belt. Fifth, a first robotic arm 200grabs the upper assembly at the barrel with a clamping tool headpreviously obtained from the rotating bins 300. Sixth, a second roboticarm 200, with a probe tool head from the bins 300, presses out the upperassembly upper release pin. Seventh, the first robotic arm 200, pivotsthe upper assembly downward while the second robotic arm 200 presses outthe upper assembly lower release pin. Eighth, the first robotic arm 200then separates the upper assembly from the lower assembly. Ninth, whilethe lower assembly is still secured to the weapon-mounting bracket andthe upper assembly securely held by the first robotic arm 200, thesecond robotic arm 200, using a cradled-bottom with two-clawed clampingtool head, removes the charging handle and bolt carrier group andcoordinately places them into the cleaning tank 400. Tenth, the firstrobotic arm places the upper carrier assembly into the cleaning tank400. Eleventh, after cleaning is complete, the upper carrier is removedfrom the cleaning tank by the first robotic arm 200 and delivered to thecoordinate measuring machine 500 where tolerances are checked. Twelfth,if specifications and tolerances are compliant, the cleaned charginghandle plus bolt carrier group are installed and the upper assembly isset to the side. Thirteenth, the lower assembly is released from theweapon mounting bracket by the first robotic arm 200 clamping onto thelower assembly and lifting the assembly upward while the second roboticarm 200 presses the clip release button. After its release, the lowerassembly is placed in the cleaning tank 400 by the robotic arm 200.Fourteenth, after cleaning is complete, the lower assembly is retrievedfrom the cleaning tub 400 by the first robotic arm 200 and moved to thecoordinate measuring machine 500 for tolerance testing. Fifteenth, ifthe specifications and tolerances are compliant with the standard, thenthe lower assembly is returned to the mounting bracket by the firstrobotic arm 200 and engaged thereto at the clip port. Next, thetolerance compliant upper receiver is reunited with the lower assemblyby the robotic arms 200. Finally, the rifle, the cache 100 and mountingbracket move to the original location where the soldier or technitianremoves the rifle from the cache 100.

An additional aspect of the present invention is the ability of therobotic arms to cut and weld metals during contrivance repair orrefurbishment routines. In such an instance, the robotic arms willretrieve welding and cutting instruments and tools from the rotatingbins 300. Alternatively, a welding or cutting tool could be manuallyattached to the robotic arms by a technician. Such a cutting and weldingtool could be in the embodiment of an arc welder or other type ofwelding and cutting tools known to one skilled in the art of welding. Inother words, it is contemplated that the robotic arms 200 may be adaptedto spot weld, solder, and cut and grind.

It should be noted that the figures and the associated descriptions areof illustrative importance only. In other words, the depictions anddescriptions of the present invention should not be construed aslimiting of the subject matter in this application. The apparatuses,assemblies, components, order and inclusion of steps, and methodsdiscussed hereby are susceptible to modification without changing theoverall concept of the disclosed invention. Such modifications mightbecome apparent to one skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.

In summary, what is disclosed is an apparatus for remotely cleaning arifle, comprising: a rifle mounting means; a means for automatedlydisassembling a rifle; a means for cleaning rifle components; a meansfor checking the specifications of a rifle component; a means forrefurbishing said rifle and replacing or cleaning components not withinsaid specifications; and, a means for reassembling a rifle.

Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a rifle comprising the steps of:delivering an apparatus for remotely cleaning a rifle, said apparatuscomprising a rifle mounting means, a means for automatedly disassemblinga rifle, a means for cleaning rifle components, a means for checking thespecifications of a rifle component, a means for refurbishing said rifleand replacing or cleaning components not within said specifications, anda means for reassembling a rifle; providing a power source to saidapparatus; providing a rifle to a mounting means; disassembling saidrifle via said means for automatedly disassembling a rifle into an upperassembly, a charging handle plus bolt carrier group, and a lowerassembly; cleaning said upper assembly, said charging handle plus boltcarrier group, and said lower assembly via said means for cleaning riflecomponents; checking the specifications of said upper and lowerassemblies via said means for checking the specifications and tolerancesof a rifle component; and, reassembling said upper assembly, saidcharging handle plus bolt carrier group, and said lower assembly into arifle, if military specifications are met.

1. An apparatus for remotely cleaning a rifle, comprising: a riflemounting means; a means for automatedly disassembling a rifle; a meansfor cleaning rifle components; a means for checking the specificationsof a rifle component; a means for refurbishing said rifle and replacingor cleaning components not within said specifications; and, a means forreassembling a rifle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said riflemounting means are a stand having a mounting bracket.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the means for automatedly disassembling a rifle areat least one 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for cleaning rifle componentsare at least one ultrasonic cleaning tub.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the means for checking the specifications of a rifle componentare at least one coordinate measuring machine.
 6. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said means for refurbishing said rifle and replacing orcleaning components not within said specifications are: at least one6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code; and, at least onemulti-level rotating bin commanded by computer program code.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for reassembling a rifle are atleast one 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein: said rifle mounting means are a standhaving a mounting bracket; the means for automatedly disassembling arifle are at least one 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer programcode; the means for cleaning rifle components are at least oneultrasonic cleaning tub; the means for checking the specifications of arifle component are at least one coordinate measuring machine; saidmeans for refurbishing said rifle and replacing or cleaning componentsnot within said specifications are: the 6-axis robotic arm commanded bycomputer program code, and at least one multi-level rotating bincommanded by computer program code.
 9. A method of cleaning a riflecomprising the steps of: delivering an apparatus for remotely cleaning arifle, said apparatus comprising a rifle mounting means, a means forautomatedly disassembling a rifle, a means for cleaning riflecomponents, a means for checking the specifications of a riflecomponent, a means for refurbishing said rifle and replacing or cleaningcomponents not within said specifications, and a means for reassemblinga rifle; providing a power source to said apparatus; providing a rifleto said rifle mounting means; disassembling said rifle (via said meansfor automatedly disassembling a rifle) into an upper assembly, acharging handle plus bolt carrier group, and a lower assembly; cleaningsaid upper assembly, said charging handle plus bolt carrier group, andsaid lower assembly via said means for cleaning rifle components;checking the specifications of said upper and lower assemblies via saidmeans for checking the specifications and tolerances of a riflecomponent; and, reassembling said upper assembly, said charging handleplus bolt carrier group, and said lower assembly into a rifle, if targetspecifications are met.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said riflemounting means are a stand having a mounting bracket.
 11. The method ofclaim 9 wherein the means for automatedly disassembling a rifle are atleast one 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code.
 12. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the means for cleaning rifle components are atleast one ultrasonic cleaning tub.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein themeans for checking the specifications of a rifle component are at leastone coordinate measuring machine.
 14. The method of claim 9 wherein saidmeans for refurbishing said rifle and replacing or cleaning componentsnot within said specifications are: at least one 6-axis robotic armcommanded by computer program code; and, at least one multi-levelrotating bin commanded by computer program code.
 15. The method of claim9 wherein the means for reassembling a rifle are at least one 6-axisrobotic arm commanded by computer program code.
 16. The method of claim9 wherein: said rifle mounting means are a stand having a mountingbracket; the means for automatedly disassembling a rifle are at leastone 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code; the means forcleaning rifle components are at least one ultrasonic cleaning tub; themeans for checking the specifications of a rifle component are at leastone coordinate measuring machine; said means for refurbishing said rifleand replacing or cleaning components not within said specifications are:the 6-axis robotic arm commanded by computer program code, and at leastone multi-level rotating bin commanded by computer program code.
 17. Amethod of refurbishing a rifle comprising the step: delivering anapparatus comprising a mounting bracket, at least two 6-axis roboticarms, a ultrasonic cleaning tub, and a coordinate measuring device to alocation; providing power to the apparatus; mounting the rifle on themounting bracket; gripping the upper assembly of the rifle at its barrelwith a first robotic arm; pressing out the upper assembly upper releasepin via a second robotic arm; using the first robotic arm to pivot theupper assembly downward while the second robotic arm presses out theupper assembly lower release pin; using the first robotic arm toseparate the upper assembly of the rifle from the lower assembly;holding the upper assembly with the first robotic arm and using thesecond robotic arm to remove the charging handle and bolt carrier groupfrom the upper assembly; placing the upper assembly, lower assembly,charging handle, and bolt carrier group into the cleaning tank via thefirst and second robotic arms; using the first robotic arm to deliverthe upper assembly to the coordinate measuring machine and using themachine to check the specifications and tolerances of the upperassembly; using the second robotic arm to deliver the lower assembly tothe coordinate measuring machine and using the machine to check thespecifications and tolerances of the lower assembly; installing thecharging handle plus bolt carrier group on the upper assembly via therobotic arms, if the upper and lower assemblies' specifications andtolerances are compliant; using the second robotic arm to return thelower assembly to the mounting bracket and engaging it with the clipport; using the first robotic arm to reunite the upper assembly with thelower assembly; and, removing the rifle from the mounting bracket. 18.The method of claim 17 wherein said delivery step is accomplished via anautomobile.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said delivery step isaccomplished via an air craft.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein saidspecifications are military specifications.